topic Re: CAD files won't open. Should I reload the program? in AutoCAD LT Forum

CAD files won't open. Should I reload the program?

ex7617 — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 12:19:28 GMT

CAD files won't open. Should I reload the program?

Re: CAD files won't open. Should I reload the program?

CGBenner — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 12:25:03 GMT

@ex7617

Hello and welcome. I think we might need some more information. What version of LT are you using, and what kinds of files are you unable to open. Can you share some screen shots of what you see when you try to open a file?

Re: CAD files won't open. Should I reload the program?

ex7617 — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 12:32:05 GMT

ACAD LT 2004, which I last used about 1-1/2 years ago....

No DWG files that opened then (on THAT laptop) will open now

P.S,: I don'y yet have ACAD LT 2004 on THIS laptop since it doesn't have a
CD drive and I do not yet have a portable CD drive.....

Re: CAD files won't open. Should I reload the program?

h_s_walker — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 12:47:51 GMT

LT 2004 is no longer supported and has not been supported for ages. It's either a case of look for a free alternative, or buy a subscription

Re: CAD files won't open. Should I reload the program?

pendean — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 12:50:59 GMT

@ex7617 wrote:
ACAD LT 2004, which I last used about 1-1/2 years ago....
No DWG files that opened then (on THAT laptop) will open now

Still not enough information sadly: can you let us know if are you starting LT2004 first, then using OPEN command? If yes, the commandline will tell you what is wrong, what does it say?

If that's not how you are doing it, I suggest you try that now instead of any other method, and see what the commandline reports.

You can also start LT2004, open a blank new file, start RECOVER command, then try to open your DWG files if they still will not open.

You can also go grab the free DWGTRUEVIEW viewer HERE, install it on the new laptop, start that program up, then open those old DWG files.

You can also open this free site in a webbrowser, drag and drop your DWG files to open them too (you will need to create a free Autodesk Account if you don't already have an active live one).

After all of that, if still no luck, your file(s) are likely damaged beyond repair and lost forever? Hope not, but it would be a good time to search for backups if you have them to try too.